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Why Do You Need a Primary Care Physician?
By Kathleen Murray
Some people, especially younger adults, tend to think that they can get by without regular medical care and thus do not need to have a primary care physician (PCP). They might feel, “If I don’t get sick, why do I need a PCP?”
Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician is an important step in maintaining your good health. There are screenings all adults should have regularly like cholesterol check, blood pressure, cancer prevention, etc. In addition, if you have an unexpected illness or injury (they do happen!) that requires medical evaluation or you need vaccinations such as the flu vaccine, you will have a physician to call. The relationship with a physician should be established before you’re really in a jam. Many doctors do not have appointments available for several months unless you are an established patient.
Once you have a PCP, that physician becomes familiar with your medical history and that of your family members. Not only is this important in emergency situations, but you may need earlier or more frequent screenings for health problems and your PCP can advise you.
What exactly does a primary care physician do?
A primary care physician, as the name implies, is your primary source for health care treatment and information. A PCP manages your care, provides treatment for illnesses and injuries, and can also manage long-term chronic illnesses. Through regular office visits and screenings, the PCP can determine if any health problems arise and refer you for further testing or to a specialist if needed. Many insurance companies require that you have a PCP. The physician you choose becomes the “gatekeeper” for all your health care and must authorize referrals to other specialists.
How should I choose a physician?
There are a number of ways to learn more about the physicians who practice in your community. The first is to ask family, friends, co-workers, even your pharmacist or dentist who they would recommend. You can also check out your insurance plan’s website to see a list of physicians who accept your particular plan or search your local hospital’s website for physicians who have privileges there. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can go to MassMedBoard.org and search Physician Profiles to verify education, board certification, practice information, legal actions and professional activities. Patients with particular health problems might want to look for a PCP who has a subspecialty. For example, patients with heart conditions might want a PCP with a specialty in Cardiology.
What other things should I look for in a practice?
In addition to having a physician with whom you are comfortable, you will need a sense of the office and its procedures. Specifically, you should determine if the office staff is friendly and helpful, the physician is easy to reach, referrals are easy to get, the office is conveniently located, and routine tests like lab work and mammograms are easy to schedule. Note that on-site lab work gives your doctor quick access to the results.
At this time of the year, you may be thinking about your resolutions for the New Year. If your plans include finally getting that check-up you’ve been meaning to schedule, losing weight, quitting smoking, or getting control of a chronic condition, having a PCP will be your first step.
Hawthorn Medical Associates has several physicians who are accepting new patients for primary care. Selecting a PCP at Hawthorn means that you will also have easy access to specialty physicians, on-site laboratory and diagnostic imaging, physical and occupational therapy, hearing services, endoscopy center, and urgent care center.
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